What is the difference between alpha and gamma radiation?

Alpha radiation is a type of radiaiton which has a high ionisation and low penetration. This means it can ionise objects very easily (so can be more damaging to humans) but it can only travel a very short distance (a few cm in air). Alpha radiaiton is produced from a large atomic nucleus by the equation: (x,y)Z => (x-4,y-2)P + (4,2)He. The second product (the helium nucleus) is an alpha particle and what alpha radiation is.In comparison gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic wave and has a low ionisation but a high penetration (opposite to alpha!). This means gamma radiation is less ionising so more safe to humans and also it can travel very far. It would take a few metres of concrete or a few cm of lead to stop it.

AD
Answered by Austin D. Physics tutor

1989 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between weight and mass and how do I find one from the other?


Explain how the evaporation of a liquid causes the temperature of the remaining liquid to decrease.


What was the Rutherford gold foil experiment


What is the law of conservation of energy?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning